Coronavirus update: N.J. announces 6 new cases, bringing total to 29 positive tests with 1 death

New Jersey officials announced six new coronavirus cases Thursday, increasing the statewide total to 29 positive tests with 1 death as the outbreak continues to expand, prompting unprecedented closures, cancellations and rescheduling of events throughout the state.

“Today, based on guidance we have received from the Commissioner of Health, we are recommending the cancellation of all public gatherings throughout New Jersey of more than 250 individuals, including concerts, sporting events, and parades," Murphy said. “These measures are being taken as part of our coordinated response to the continued outbreak and to aggressively mitigate the spread of the virus.”

The six new cases include:

A 16-year-old girl from Englewood. This positive test was performed through Labcorp, rather than at the state lab. She is being treated at Englewood hospital.

A 66-year-old woman from Montclair. She is hospitalized at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center.

A 51-year-old man from Bulter Borough. He is being treated at Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains.

A 23-year-old man from Bridgewater. He may have been exposed through close contact with a Pennsylvania resident who has coronavirus.

A 53-year-old man from Manalapan. He is being treated at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold and had exposure to a confirmed case.

A woman, age unknown, from Teaneck. She was exposed to a confirmed case at a synagogue carnival on March 1.

The new positive tests include the first cases for Somerset, Essex and Morris counties. New Jersey now has coronavirus cases in 11 of 21 counties. Bergen County has the most cases with 13 and is considered a “moderate risk” for exposure to coronavirus, state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said during a news conference in Ewing.

All other counties are considered a “none to minimal” risk with the exception of Monmouth County, which has five cases and is considered “above minimal," Persichilli said.

There’s another 37 possible cases under investigation. Those will be tested at the state’s lab, Persichilli said.

Community spread is defined as person-to-person transmission without exposure to a confirmed case, health officials said. People in areas where there is community spread “are at elevated risk of exposure,” according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.